Desert Hot Springs is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Desert Hot Springs is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Desert Hot Springs and user-submitted reviews.
"Free camping just outside Joshua Tree. No amenities or designated campsites. Large open area where you can camp wherever you'd like."
"It's free camping so be respectful and clean up after yourself. That said, there are no facilities so pack it in and pack it out."
"As another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me."
"My favorite place to camp near Joshua Tree. Lots of space."
"Nobody too rowdy, people left respectful distances between rigs, GREAT location for travel caravans.
- The most paved way in is to take Sunfair to Broadway."
"We arrived early in the afternoon around 4:30 pm and found a vast, open place witziges only few, dispersed campers. Access was easy, Solid ground ."
"Camping at East Flats was great in mid-June. There are a number of campers, but remote locations are easily found. If you bring pets, be aware they may upset Rattlesnakes."
"As a matter of fact, we got engaged at nearby Jenks Lake and celebrated here after. No facilities, but if you have your supplies, it’s great. There are a couple loops and lots of spots. Enjoy."
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**** Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products."
"There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods."
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October."
"There were a bunch of camper vans parked but there’s so much space so you don’t feel crammed and still have plenty of privacy! Loved the night sky views as well."
$5 / night
"This campsite is located at the junctionof the Deer Springs Trail and the PCT, and is breathtaking."
"This campground (and I use the term loosely) is everything that I love about BLM land - dispersed, quiet, and FREE!"
"This area is managed by BLM, which means it's free to use for up to 14 days at a time.
There are no hookups or facilities, and it's pack it in, pack it out. "
"There is plenty of space along the trail and it is just a GORGEOUS area to wake up to. Can’t believe it’s in southern California"
TravelerYellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA. No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out. Fire ring and picnic table on-site. Shaded by mature trees with a dirt/sand/rock surface. Site fits up to 8 people and 2 vehicles.
Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD. Signage is limited—offline maps recommended. Site sits near a dry creek bed and has a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley.
Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels. Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must. Fire bans usually in effect during summer. Great for quiet retreats, hiking, light climbing, and off-grid solitude.
A rugged but rewarding forest stay for self-sufficient campers.
RangerAs another reviewer noted - this spot is huge so make sure you are staying on BLM land. There is a lot of trash in some areas and there was some dirt bikes but they didn’t bother me. Car camping I found the area I liked best was as follows: off 62 take Sunfair rd, right on cypress rd (dirt road which my GPS thought was Reagan Rd but is marked with a street sign Cypress) - go past ITH coyote ranch (no sign but may show up on map) Then right on cascade - an unmarked dirt rd. Then there is a large flat BLM area where rvs and vans were quite spread out, and a motorcycle with a tent was my neighbor (quite far away). No trash here when I was there. Zero facilities obviously so pack it out. Hot tip - water and restrooms 10 min away at the Indian Cove ranger station near Indian Cove Campground in JT park. I stayed here two nights car camping.
GuideI didn't originally want to stay here; it wasn't that far off the highway, there was lots of trash along the main road, and the immediate landscape was pretty barren. But I hadn't planned ahead, and all of Joshua Tree National Park's campgrounds were full. I quickly found out that my initial reaction was very wrong. This spot gets beautiful sunsets, is great for stargazing, and I had no complaints. I thought the light from the Coachella Valley would be too much to see the stars, but I popped out of my vehicle around midnight and the sky was incredible.
The campground: You can camp in the areas both to the left and right of the main road that goes from the highway up into Joshua Tree. If you're coming from the highway and see the Joshua Tree National Park sign, you've gone too far. Once you're off the main road things become really bumpy with ruts, dips, and one area that's been completely washed out, but I saw everything from cars to large RVs navigating this road. It's definitely easier to navigate during the daylight. There were so many places to camp that I was able to choose a spot I was most comfortable with while traveling solo. The campsites vary in their degree of cleanliness and level land. I found a couple bottle caps at one of my sites, but nothing major. Most of the sites have a rock fire ring (heads up: you may need a permit in CA for a fire, and always check in with the state's current fire restrictions). The area had quite a few campers, but the spots are spaced nicely and there's plenty of room to keep driving further off the main road to find a spot that's not around other campers. (If you're looking for somewhere that feels secluded, however, this is not it.) While I didn't notice much noise from the highway, there was a little bit of noise from campers arriving later in evening. The main downside to this campground was the wind. Both nights it was very windy. I definitely saw people camping in tents, but I also saw people really struggling to put up and secure their tents in the wind.
The area: The campground is right at the South Entrance to Joshua Tree, which is the Colorado Desert section of the park. (Mind you, it can take over an hour to get to the Northern area of Joshua Tree.) It's about 10-20 minutes away from Joshua Tree's Cottonwood Visitor Center, a picnic area with bathrooms (at the front of the Cottonwood campground), and the Lost Palms Oasis. There's also a gas station & small café about ten minutes down the highway (heading East); the gas there is pricey, but they have a decent sized food mart to go with it.
Booking: This is a dispersed BLM campsite; no booking or fee. Just drive in and find a spot.
Cell Service: Where I camped, I could use the internet and make calls no problem with Verizon, but there's very little cell service once inside the park.
TravelerEverything about this site is not only free, but literally free to park and camp anywhere. There are private properties around, so just double check, but for the most part its wife open land to camp. Also currently in a fire ban, but that should be getting lifted in October. So campfires would be a great idea out here as well.
RangerCame here to hike Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon. Before the trailhead there are lots of areas for dispersed camping. It's an unpaved road that can be challenging to drive in at times, so would recommend 4x4 high clearance vehicle. Overall a nice remote place to camp out in the desert!
GuideThis campground (and I use the term loosely) is everything that I love about BLM land - dispersed, quiet, and FREE! No amenities and not a ton of privacy for outdoor bathroom usage, but not crowded enough for it to matter. Tons of spaces along several different dirt roads. Rock fire pits at most every campsite, the majority of which are flat and not too sandy.
When coming from I10, head towards Joshua Tree NP and just before the NP sign (can’t be more than a couple hundred feet), you’ll see dirt roads going both left and right - we went right and had no issue on the road with our Subaru Crosstrek and small tow-behind popup camper, although it could’ve been more difficult for 2WD vehicles.
Be aware that although this camping is super close to the park, the majority of park attractions and hikes are in the north end, so be prepared to drive through. However, it is super close (about 10 mins) to the Cottonwood Visitor Center, which has 24/7 bathrooms (I think?), and the Lost Palms Oasis Trail. Nearest gas station is in Chiriaco Summit, about 13 minutes away, and nearest city is Indio, which is about 35 minutes.
GuideGreat free camping when campgrounds are booked. Easy to navigate with GPS. Many large and small sites along the road. Some spots more secluded than others. Smaller rigs, medium clearance and lite off-road capabilities recommended. Good cellular reception in my particular location.
GuideEasy to access dirt road off of Amboy leads you to BLM land. Left over fire rings mark sites, however many sites are covered in glass and bullet casing from people using this area for target practice. Sunsets are gorgeous, however desert winds are harsh. Wouldn’t go back but free camping doesn’t hurt.
TravelerThis area is managed by BLM, which means it's free to use for up to 14 days at a time.
There are no hookups or facilities, and it's pack it in, pack it out. There is a Chevron station just a short drive away (via either the freeway or dirt trails) that has bathrooms and all the basics in case you forgot something at home. There are tons of spots that are already at least partially cleared with fire rings left behind by previous campers (pro tip: if you see a tree with any semblance of shade, there's a fire ring near it).
I had planned on camping there even before the official park resumed operations after Covid. There's plenty of room to spread out and keep some privacy. That being said, the campgrounds in the park had filled up, and many people came here and used it as an overflow campground. Perhaps these people weren't familiar with open camping like this, because for some reason 4 groups decided to camp within ear & eyeshot of my spot. Come on people, you have a whole desert to choose from - spread out a little and enjoy the solitude.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Desert Hot Springs, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping in Desert Hot Springs?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Desert Hot Springs. Joshua Tree North BLM offers extensive dispersed camping accessible via Sunfair Road and Cypress Road. Follow dirt roads to find your ideal spot, but ensure you're staying on BLM land. Another excellent option is Mecca Hills Wilderness, which has numerous dispersed sites before the Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon trailheads. This area requires an unpaved drive, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Both locations are free to use but follow pack-in, pack-out principles as no amenities are available.
What are the BLM regulations for dispersed camping near Desert Hot Springs?
BLM regulations for dispersed camping near Desert Hot Springs include a 14-day maximum stay within any 28-day period. At Joshua Tree South - BLM Dispersed, you must practice Leave No Trace principles - pack out all trash and waste. Campfires are typically allowed only in established fire rings, though seasonal fire bans may be implemented (often lifted in October). Sheephole Valley Wilderness and other BLM areas follow the same regulations. Always camp in previously disturbed areas, stay at least 200 feet from water sources, and keep vehicles on established routes to minimize environmental impact.
Is there year-round access to dispersed camping sites in Desert Hot Springs?
Yes, dispersed camping is available year-round near Desert Hot Springs, but seasonal considerations are important. BLM Dispersed Camping at Joshua Tree offers year-round access with wide-open spaces for camping. However, summer temperatures can be dangerously hot (often exceeding 100°F), making fall through spring the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter nights can drop below freezing. Mill Creek Dispersed Camping also provides year-round options with good cell reception, but requires vehicles with medium clearance and light off-road capabilities. Always check weather forecasts and carry adequate water when desert camping.
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